Story of Yanxi Palace

This drama was gripping from start to finish. All of the characters are fully fleshed out, and it's very easy to root for the protagonist. While attempting to avenge her sister, she encounters many, many enemies; however, she is able to thwart them every time.

Additionally, I would watch it simply for the amazing costumes and setting. The Qing Dynasty era clothing and hair is worth it.

I saw it as an elegant embroidery. Full of beautiful colors, seductive for wise performances and delicacy and generous story and locations and costumes. A historical serie like fresh air. Different, special, seductive, dramatic, beautiful in profound sense.

I've seen this story twice, but finally I'm able to understand all story arcs, and boy, there are many.

For starters there's the intriguing story about a girl who plays detective in the palace in order to revenge the murder on her sister. She happens to sustain the weak and fight the bullies in the long run, and she gets help from a royal palace guard, the younger brother of the empress. This gentle, well behaved lady admires and loves the headstrong, self made girl, improving her status wherever she can, much to the annoyance of her own husband.

The emperor himself is frequently irritated by this unruly palace maid. Of course there's more than meets the eye and their developing relationship is the best story arc in my opinion, giving some comic relief as well.

Since this is a story about the palace there are the usual vicious schemes of the women in the harem, their characters are really fleshed out, and there's also the harem-in-reverse theme: our heroine is loved by several men. Not that typical is the sound and fulfilling ending of the series, which is great. Highly recommended!

Yet another Chinese costume drama with strong female lead which is thoroughly entertaining. The acting as usual is first rate and the plot which unsurprisingly sometimes sags over the 70 episodes is overall gripping. The story centres on a young girl entering the forbidden city as a seamstress to seek revenge for her murdered sister. To achieve her aims she must use all her wits to progress and find out the truth. Along the way with each step up she meets countless new enemies and challenges.

If you never watched a drama series from China this is the one to start with! From the beginning there were lost of shocking twists and turns with beautiful art and costumes. Each one of the actors played the characters very well and you don't know who the true villain is till the end! I wish they would have continued the series in a different network but I know how one little article published can cause negativity. Don't let them censor china history and continue making great stories like this! I'm glad I was able to see this in English subtitles and got to learn a few new words too! Great job to everyone who had a part in this production!